British comedian and actor Russell Brand has been found guilty of one count of rape and three counts of sexual assault following a trial at Southwark Crown Court in London.
The 51-year-old, who denied all allegations against him, was convicted on four of the seven charges he faced, relating to alleged incidents involving women between 1999 and 2009.
Brand was acquitted of two other rape charges and one charge of attempted indecent assault.
Following the verdict, Mr Justice Bennathan warned that Brand would face a significant prison sentence.
“Given the verdict on count six at least, obviously a custodial sentence of some length will result,” the judge said.
Brand was subsequently remanded in custody, with sentencing scheduled for Monday.
The trial, which began on October 12, heard allegations involving six women, all of whom are entitled to lifelong anonymity under British law.
During the proceedings, prosecutors described Brand as a sexual predator, while his defence rejected the allegations.
Brand took the witness stand during the trial and told jurors that the accusations had been deeply traumatic and had a devastating impact on his life.
He maintained that he had never engaged in non-consensual sexual activity and said he considered sexual consent fundamental.
Brand, who rose to fame as a comedian, television presenter and Hollywood actor, later became known for his online political and social commentary. (Newswire)